Progress of primary feather molt of adult mourning doves in Missouri

Journal of Wildlife Management
6882_Sadler.pdf
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

The examination of 7,892 adult doves in Missouri between 1953 and 1965 showed that less than 2.5% of adult doves completed their molt before October 1. Adult doves of both sexes began molting their primary feathers during early June in Missouri and lost the last (tenth) primary during the latter half of October. Approximately 140-150 days were required to complete the molt. Thus, early-hatched immatures, which begin their primary molt 25-30 days after hatching, contributed the bulk of the wings with completed molts in September. By correctly classifying September samples of dove wings with a completed molt as young-of-the-year a more accurate young:adult ratio is obtained.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Progress of primary feather molt of adult mourning doves in Missouri
Series title Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume 34
Issue 4
Year Published 1970
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 783-788
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Wildlife Management
First page 783
Last page 788
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details